Important GM Dates: 1970 - 19791970 GM forms a five-member Public Policy Committee, consisting of members of the Board of Directors who are not officers of the company. A two-phase automotive emissions control program directed to spread use of unleaded gasoline nationwide in the U.S. is announced by Edward Cole, President of GM. GM introduces no lead or low lead tolerant engines on all of its 1971 models in the U.S. & Canada. Industrial air and water pollution control programs are announced at a General Motors news conference. GM production in the US is stopped by a 10-week UAW strike, beginning on September 15 and ending on November 20. 1971 GM forms an Environmental Activities Staff to concentrate on the performance of GM products in the environment. GM and Isuzu Motors Limited sign an agreement under which GM acquires 34.2% interest in Isuzu. Initial plans are for GM to market and service Isuzu trucks. A Science Advisory Committee, consisting of top scientists selected from across the US, is formed to advise the GM Executive Committee on GM policies and activities concerning basic and applied research. GM designs and manufactures the mobility system for the Lunar Roving Vehicle which enables Apollo 15 astronauts to accomplish mankind’s first vehicular drive on the moon. GM acquires all shares of Capital Motors Assembly Corp. in Tampoia, Malaysia, and forms GM Malaysia BHD. GM Malaysia BHD is sold to Oriental Holdings BHD of Malaysia in 1980. 1972 A new combined lap and shoulder belt system with both a light and a buzzer to remind the front occupants that they should "buckle-up" becomes standard on all GM cars. GM enters into an agreement to form a joint venture company, General Motors Iran, Ltd. GM has 45 percent interest. The agreement provides for the production and distribution of General Motors passenger cars in Iran. In December 1978, GM exits from both the plant and the country. GM enters into a joint venture with Shinjin GM enters into a joint venture with Shinjin Motor Co. of Seoul, Korea, to build and market cars in Korea. The joint venture is named General Motors Korea Company, Ltd. The company is renamed Saehan Motor in 1976. In 1982, Daewoo Group assumes managerial control and renames it Daewoo Motor Co. Ltd. GM retains 50% stake until 1992. GM establishes a jointly owned vehicle and transmission manufacturing operation in the Philippines with two Philippine companies. In 1979, Isuzu Motors invests in the venture, GM Philipinas, Inc. The assembly and transmission plants cease operation in 1985. 1973 GM manufactures the first production car equipped with an air cushion restraint system as an option. The first GMC motor home is introduced. GM and the UAW agree to establish the National Committee to improve the Quality of Work Life. A European Advisory Council of top business leaders from across Europe is formed to advise Corporation’s chairman on business activities in Europe. The Arab oil embargo and ensuing gasoline price increases lead to a rapid an unexpected rise in sales of small Japanese-built cars in the US. 1974 GM introduces the catalytic converter, a technology it developed in the 1960s. All 1975 model cars sold in the U.S. and Canada are equipped with these catalytic converters to comply with provisions of the Federal Clean Air Act. GM proceeds with plans for an unprecedented downsizing of its US cars. 1975 General Motors Kenya Limited is established as a joint venture. Chevrolet introduces the Chevette in October. This U.S.-built "T-car" was first designed by Opel and is also manufactured by GM subsidiaries in Argentina, Brazil and England and sold under the names Kadett, Chevette, Gemini and K-180. 1976 GM introduces its re-sized Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac full-size and luxury cars in September. The last American convertible is built by Cadillac in April 1976. Convertibles are reintroduced in 1984. 1977 GM establishes a new Consumer Relations and Service Staff. The Statement of Principles of U.S. Firms with Affiliates in the Republic of South Africa is issued by Rev. Leon H. Sullivan and endorsed by twelve American firms, including General Motors. GM offers the first domestic diesel engine on its 1978 U.S. passenger cars - the Olds Delta Eighty Eights, Ninety Eights and Custom Cruisers. GMC introduces the RTS coach, incorporating the newest technology into mass transit products GM introduces re-designed 1977 Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac and Oldsmobile midsize models. 1978 A major reorganization of General Motors’ overseas operations is initiated in March with the official intent of closer management coordination with the North American operations. The position of Group Executive in Charge of Operations is created with five vice presidents reporting to that position, each with responsibility for a geographic area. The General Motors Cancer Research Foundation is formed in September to recognize individual excellence in cancer research GM introduces redesigned front-wheel-drive personal luxury cars from Buick, Cadillac, and Oldsmobile in September as 1979 models. 1979 Frigidaire Division appliance business is sold to White Consolidated Industries, Inc. Frigidaire’s Dayton, Ohio production facilities are converted to GM automotive operations. GM announces the formation of Motors Trading Corporation, a wholly owned trading subsidiary to serve divisions and plants worldwide. GM acquires majority interest in Colmotores (Colombia). GM introduces newly designed front-wheel-drive compact cars, the Buick Skylark, Chevrolet Citation, Oldsmobile Omega and Pontiac Phoenix X-body models. GM announces a $2 billion European expansion program which includes plans for a new assembly plant in Zaragoza, Spain, and an engine plant in Austria.
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